Apple Vision Pro: More Affordable Alternatives
The VR market is expanding, with users now able to perform more practical tasks using headsets. While the new Apple Vision Pro impresses with its functionality and design, it comes with a hefty price tag. Are there cheaper alternatives?
According to a study by PwC, virtual reality products are gradually emerging from their niche market. PwC reports that revenues in the German VR market recently rose to 280 million euros. Apple has recently entered the VR headset market with the Apple Vision Pro. However, the premium headset is far from being affordable for the masses, with a price starting at a minimum of 4,000 euros. Those who still wish to dive into new VR worlds might consider more affordable alternatives.
Mixed-Reality Headset: Meta Quest 3
Apple’s likely strongest competitor in the VR market is Meta. The Meta Quest 3 offers customers a nearly equivalent alternative to Apple’s Vision Pro, at a fraction of the price – just over 500 euros. It boasts a plethora of features, allowing users to work in floating windows in Horizon Workroom and access a variety of practical VR apps for job and daily life assistance. The Meta Quest 3 is also excellent as an entertainment device, capable of streaming PC and Xbox games. Rated “good” by Computerbild, it is considered the best VR headset. On Amazon, it has become a bestseller with more than 3,700 predominantly positive reviews, making it a true favourite among the public.
Offer Details:
- Mixed-reality headset with passthrough function
- 128 GB storage
- 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
Note: Prices are volatile and retailers may adjust the suggested retail price (SRP) occasionally. If prices differ from those listed here, it is because retailers have changed them after the article’s publication.
Previous Model: Meta Quest 2
The predecessor, the Meta Quest 2, still impresses. Initially launched as the Oculus Quest 2, Computerbild recommends this headset as the best value for money in VR comparisons. The functionality and usability are similar to its successor, although users will find some compromises in processing power and passthrough. While the Meta Quest 3 provides a detailed view of the environment, the Meta Quest 2 only offers highly pixelated grey scale representations of the outside world. Currently, the good old model can be found on eBay for less than 380 euros.
